UPSC Prelims 2012 Q74: Modern History – Social & Religious Reform Movements
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Brahmo Samaj?
1. It opposed idolatry.
2. It denied the need for a priestly class for interpreting the religious texts.
3. It popularized the doctrine that the Vedas are infallible.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Brahmo Samaj
Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Sabha in 1828; it became the Brahmo Samaj.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It opposed idolatry | Correct | It taught worship of one formless God |
| 2. It denied the need for a priestly class for interpreting the religious texts | Correct | It held that every person can approach God and the scriptures by reason |
| 3. It popularized the doctrine that the Vedas are infallible | Incorrect | That was the Arya Samaj of Dayanand Saraswati; the Brahmo Samaj under Debendranath Tagore rejected the infallibility of the Vedas |
Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj:
| Point | Brahmo Samaj | Arya Samaj |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1828) | Dayanand Saraswati (1875) |
| On the Vedas | Not infallible; reason is the test | 'Back to the Vedas'; infallible |
| On idols | Opposed | Opposed |
| Later leaders | Debendranath Tagore, Keshab Chandra Sen | Lala Hansraj, Swami Shraddhanand |
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also true; it denied the need for a priestly class.
- (b) CORRECT. The Brahmo Samaj opposed idolatry and the need for priests.
- (c) Incorrect. The doctrine that the Vedas are infallible belongs to the Arya Samaj.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; the Brahmo Samaj did not hold the Vedas infallible.
Key point
Brahmo Samaj (1828, Ram Mohan Roy): monotheism, no idols, no priests, reason above scripture. Arya Samaj (1875, Dayanand): Vedas infallible, 'Back to the Vedas'.
Remember
Vedas infallible = Arya Samaj, not Brahmo Samaj.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up the Brahmo Samaj and the Arya Samaj on the Vedas.
- Assuming every Hindu reform movement upheld the Vedas as final.
- Forgetting that both movements opposed idolatry.
Exam tip
Brahmo = reason; Arya = Vedas. That one contrast answers most questions on the two.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — History of Modern India, Ch on Social and Cultural Awakening
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India, Ch on Socio-Religious Reform Movements